Rule2022-08045
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
Primary source
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Published
April 15, 2022
Effective
May 2, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine due to an air/oil heat exchanger leak caused by corrosion and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed additional air/oil heat exchanger leaks. This AD requires an inspection of the air/oil heat exchanger and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the air/oil heat exchanger. This AD also provides instructions for storing an air/ oil heat exchanger after inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 73 (Friday, April 15, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 73 (Friday, April 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22441-22444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08045]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0386; Project Identifier AD-2022-00336-E;
Amendment 39-22001; AD 2022-07-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D,
PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an engine due to an air/oil
heat exchanger leak caused by corrosion and subsequent investigation by
the manufacturer that revealed additional air/oil heat exchanger leaks.
This AD requires an inspection of the air/oil heat exchanger and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the air/oil
heat exchanger. This AD also provides instructions for storing an air/
oil heat exchanger after inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 31, 2022.
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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118;
phone: (860) 565-0140; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d2bab7bea2e0e692a2a0b3a6a6a5babba6bcb7abfcb1bdbf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7119141d014345310103100505061918051f14085f121e1c">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://connect.prattwhitney.com">https://connect.prattwhitney.com</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is
also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0386.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0386; 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, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7a4a6b5a8abe9a9a0b2bea2a987a1a6a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="107371627f7c3e7e776569757e507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On November 9, 2021, a Boeing Model 777 airplane, powered by PW
PW4077 engines, on a ferry flight from San Francisco, CA to Honolulu,
HI, experienced an oil leak on the number 1 engine that resulted in an
IFSD and air turnback to San Francisco, CA. A post-flight inspection
revealed that the oil leak was from the air/oil heat exchanger. After
this event, on December 19, 2021, the manufacturer was made aware of
another oil leak related to the air/oil heat exchanger that was
discovered during a post-flight inspection after the first flight out
of storage. Subsequent investigation revealed 19 air/oil heat exchanger
leaks occurred on the affected engines during the past year, which is
significantly higher than the three to four air/oil heat exchanger
leaks typically occurring each year. After
[[Page 22442]]
further investigation, the manufacturer determined that the air/oil
heat exchanger leak was due to corrosion. The manufacturer published
Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21A, dated February 15,
2022, which provides instructions for performing an inspection of the
air/oil heat exchanger and, depending on the results of the inspection,
replacement of the air/oil heat exchanger. This special instruction
also provides instructions for storing an air/oil heat exchanger after
the inspection. This condition, if not addressed, could result in low
oil pressure, failure of one or more engines, IFSD, loss of engine
thrust control, reduced control of the airplane, and loss of the
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21A,
dated February 15, 2022. This special instruction specifies procedures
for performing an inspection of the air/oil heat exchanger and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the air/oil
heat exchanger. This special instruction also specifies procedures for
storing an air/oil heat exchanger after the inspection. 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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21,
dated December 22, 2021. This special instruction describes procedures
for performing an inspection of the air/oil heat exchanger and,
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the air/oil
heat exchanger.
AD Requirements
This AD requires an inspection of the air/oil heat exchanger within
30 days prior to the first flight after the effective date of this AD.
Depending on the results of the inspection, this AD may require
replacement of the air/oil heat exchanger. The air/oil heat exchanger
may be inspected more than 30 days prior to the first flight after the
effective date of this AD if the air/oil heat exchanger is subsequently
stored in accordance with procedures from the manufacturer.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
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 foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
The Boeing Model 777 fleet with affected engines installed has been
grounded after a fan blade-out event that occurred on February 20,
2021. According to the manufacturer, the lack of operation may have
exacerbated corrosion on the air/oil heat exchanger. Both engines
installed on the airplane may develop leaks on the air/oil heat
exchangers. Since the Boeing Model 777 fleet will start to return to
service soon, there is an increased risk that these leaks will occur
during the first flight out of storage, and there is a risk of a dual-
engine IFSD and loss of the airplane. The FAA considers inspection of
the air/oil heat exchanger for leaks to be an urgent safety issue.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``FAA-2022-0386 and Project Identifier AD-2022-
00336-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for
any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Carol
Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 108 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 22443]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect air/oil heat exchanger........ 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $18,360
hour = $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace air/oil heat exchanger............. 0 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0... $12,000 $12,000
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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.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2022-07-13 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-22001; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0386; Project Identifier AD-2022-00336-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Division PW4074, PW4074D,
PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 model turbofan
engines, with an installed air/oil heat exchanger that has
accumulated any number of cycles since new (CSN) or cycles since
last overhaul.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7921, Engine Oil
Cooler.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) of an
engine due to an air/oil heat exchanger leak caused by corrosion and
subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that revealed
additional air/oil heat exchanger leaks on the affected engines. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent leaks in the air/oil heat
exchanger. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
low oil pressure, failure of one or more engines, IFSD, loss of
engine thrust control, reduced control of the airplane, and loss of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 30 days prior to the first flight after the effective
date of this AD, perform an inspection for leaks of the air/oil heat
exchanger in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3., of Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21A,
dated February 15, 2022.
(2) If any air/oil heat exchanger fails the inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the
air/oil heat exchanger and replace with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation''
is:
(1) A new air/oil heat exchanger with zero CSN, or
(2) An overhauled air/oil heat exchanger with zero cycles since
last overhaul, or
(3) An air/oil heat exchanger that has passed the inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Effect of Storage on Compliance Time
For performance of the inspection for leaks required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, the air/oil heat exchanger may be
inspected more than 30 days prior to the first flight after the
effective date of this AD if, after performing said inspection, the
following are accomplished:
(1) The air/oil heat exchanger is stored in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 6., of Pratt & Whitney
Special Instruction No. 255F-21A, dated February 15, 2022; and
(2) The cumulative time between performance of the inspection
and the first flight minus the time stored in accordance with
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD does not exceed 30 days.
[[Page 22444]]
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You make take credit for the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD if the inspection for leaks was performed before
the effective date of this AD using the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3., of Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21,
dated December 22, 2021.
(k) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are permitted prior to compliance with paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, provided that the air/oil heat exchanger has first passed
an inspection, performed within 60 days of the flight, performed in
accordance with:
(1) The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3., of Pratt &
Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21, dated December 22, 2021,
before the effective date of this AD, or
(2) The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3., of Pratt &
Whitney Special Instruction No. 255F-21A, dated February 15, 2022.
(l) 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 (m) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4809060d65090c650905070b082e2929662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7868982ea8683ea868a888487a1a6a6e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7655; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#600301120f0c4e0e071519050e200601014e070f16"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b484a59444705454c5e524e456b4d4a4a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(n) 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 Special Instruction No. 255F-21A, dated
February 15, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt
& Whitney Division, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
(860) 565-0140; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5ddd0d9c58781f5c5c7d4c1c1c2dddcc1dbd0cc9bd6dad8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81e9e4edf1b3b5c1f1f3e0f5f5f6e9e8f5efe4f8afe2eeec">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://connect.prattwhitney.com">https://connect.prattwhitney.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bfd9cd91d6d1cccfdadccbd6d0d1ffd1decdde91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90f6e2bef9fee3e0f5f3e4f9fffed0fef1e2f1bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on March 31, 2022.
Derek Morgan,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08045 Filed 4-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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