Rule2023-21739
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 3, 2023
Effective
November 7, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21- 11, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) Model PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with a low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed. AD 2018-21-11 required performing repetitive eddy current inspections (ECIs) and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) for cracks in certain LPC fan hubs and removing LPC fan hubs from service that fail any inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-21-11, the FAA determined that affected LPC fan hub assemblies can meet the published certificated life limit without the need for the required repetitive FPI inspections in AD 2018-21-11, and the repetitive ECI inspections require shortened intervals. Based on a report of another incident, the FAA determined that the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on additional LPC fan hub assemblies and PW model engines. This AD expands the applicability to include Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with any part number LPC fan hub assembly installed and requires performing repetitive ECIs of the LPC fan hub assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, removing the LPC fan hub assembly from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67939-67942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21739]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0940; Project Identifier AD-2022-01521-E;
Amendment 39-22552; AD 2023-19-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21-
11, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) Model PW4074D,
PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with a low-pressure
compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521,
installed. AD 2018-21-11 required performing repetitive eddy current
inspections (ECIs) and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) for
cracks in certain LPC fan hubs and removing LPC fan hubs from service
that fail any inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-21-11, the FAA
determined that affected LPC fan hub assemblies can meet the published
certificated life limit without the need for the required repetitive
FPI inspections in AD 2018-21-11, and the repetitive ECI
[[Page 67940]]
inspections require shortened intervals. Based on a report of another
incident, the FAA determined that the unsafe condition is likely to
exist or develop on additional LPC fan hub assemblies and PW model
engines. This AD expands the applicability to include Model PW4074,
PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with
any part number LPC fan hub assembly installed and requires performing
repetitive ECIs of the LPC fan hub assembly and, depending on the
results of the inspections, removing the LPC fan hub assembly from
service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 7,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0940; 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 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Pratt & Whitney Division 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#86eee3eaf6b4b2c6f6f4e7f2f2f1eeeff2e8e3ffa8e5e9eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f070a031f5d5b2f1f1d0e1b1b1807061b010a16410c0002">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="http://connect.prattwhitney.com">connect.prattwhitney.com</a>.
<bullet> 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0940.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
(781) 238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e6d6f7c61622060697b776b604e686f6f20696178"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3c0c2d1cccf8dcdc4d6dac6cde3c5c2c28dc4ccd5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-21-11, Amendment 39-19469 (83 FR
54663, October 31, 2018) (``AD 2018-21-11''). AD 2018-21-11 applied to
all PW Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and
PW4090-3 engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 23,
2023 (88 FR 32978), which proposed to supersede AD 2018-21-11. The NPRM
was prompted by an updated analysis by the engine manufacturer, which
indicated certain LPC fan hubs could crack before their published life
limit. However, the FAA determined that affected LPC fan hub assemblies
can meet the published certificated life limit without the need for the
required repetitive FPI inspections in AD 2018-21-11, and the
repetitive ECI inspections require shortened intervals. Additionally,
the FAA also received a report of an uncontained failure of the fan hub
assembly on an Engine Alliance GP7270 engine on an Air France flight.
Investigation of this uncontained failure revealed that, due to the
similarity of design and material processing for the LPC fan hub
assembly, the ECI inspections should be done on all LPC fan hub
assembly part numbers installed on PW Model PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077,
PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to expand the applicability to include Model PW4074, PW4074D,
PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines with any P/N LPC
fan hub assembly installed. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to
require performing repetitive ECIs of the LPC fan hub assembly and,
depending on the results of the inspections, removing the LPC fan hub
assembly from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the LPC fan hub assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could
result in uncontained debris release, damage to the engine, and damage
to the aircraft.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA published the NPRM, PW revised Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision No. 1, dated January 20, 2022, to ASB
PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision No. 2, dated August 2, 2023. This service
bulletin revision does not include the specification to remove LPC fan
hub assemblies with reportable indications from service. PW also added
instructions pertaining to reporting inspection results.
As a result, the FAA changed paragraph (g)(2) from ``If a
reportable or rejectable indication is found'' to ``If a rejectable
indication is found,'' added paragraph (j), Credit for Previous
Actions, to give full credit for anyone already accomplishing this
action before the effective date using Revision No. 1, and re-
designated subsequent paragraphs accordingly. This AD does not require
reporting inspection results.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. Commenters included
The Boeing Company and The Air Line Pilots Association, International.
Both commenters support the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, which
include updating the service information and removing the requirement
for removing LPC fan hub assemblies with reportable indications from
service, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision No.
2, dated August 2, 2023. This service information specifies procedures
for ECIs of the LPC fan hub assembly for cracks. This service
information also specifies reporting inspection results to PW.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 65 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 67941]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Perform ECI of LPC fan hub assembly. 14 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,190 $77,350
hour = $1,190.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace LPC fan hub assembly............... 65 work-hours x $85 per hour $1,194,000 $1,199,525
= $5,525.
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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
The FAA has 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:
(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.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2018-21-11, Amendment 39-19469 (83
FR 54663, October 31, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-19-02 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-22552; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0940; Project Identifier AD-2022-01521-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 7, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-21-11, Amendment 39-19469 (83 FR 54663,
October 31, 2018).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division Model PW4074,
PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an updated analysis by the engine
manufacturer, which indicated certain low-pressure compressor (LPC)
fan hubs could crack before their published life limit. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan hub. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub
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) Before accumulating 550 flight cycles (FC) after the
effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
550 FC since the last eddy current inspection (ECI), perform an ECI
of the LPC fan hub assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, For Engines Installed on Aircraft, paragraph 2., or
For Engines Not Installed on Aircraft, paragraph 3; of Pratt &
Whitney Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision No.
2, dated August 2, 2023 (ASB PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision 2).
(2) If a rejectable indication is found during the inspections
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight,
replace the LPC fan hub assembly with a part eligible for
installation.
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install an LPC fan
hub assembly on any engine, unless it is a part eligible for
installation as defined in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
This AD does not require reporting certain information to the
manufacturer as specified in ASB PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision 2.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
Inspections and corrective actions on an engine, accomplished
before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the
instructions of Pratt & Whitney ASB PW4G-112-A72-362, Revision No.
1, dated January 20, 2022, are acceptable to comply with the
requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
[[Page 67942]]
(k) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is an affected LPC fan hub assembly that has been
inspected as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and does not
have a rejectable or reportable indication or a LPC fan hub assembly
with zero cycles since new.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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)(1) of this AD.
(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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99faf8ebf6f5b7f7feece0fcf7d9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f09391829f9cde9e978589959eb0969191de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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 Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-362,
Revision No. 2, dated August 2, 2023.
(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#e48c818894d6d0a49496859090938c8d908a819dca878b89"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3159545d410305714143504545465958455f54481f525e5c">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://connect.prattwhitney.com">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#b3d5c19ddaddc0c3d6d0c7dadcddf3ddd2c1d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6305114d0a0d10130600170a0c0d230d0211024d040c15">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on September 15, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-21739 Filed 10-2-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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