[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 62 (Tuesday, March 31, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17742-17744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06554]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0299; Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-E;
Amendment 39-21106; AD 2020-07-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney 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 (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521G-3, PW1521GA, PW1524G,
PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 model turbofan engines. This AD
requires the removal from service of certain electronic engine control
(EEC) full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) software and
the installation of a software version eligible for installation. This
AD was prompted by reports of four in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) due to
failure of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor 1 (R1) and by
subsequent findings of cracked LPC R1s during inspections. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 15, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
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.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, 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, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-
565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://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.
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-2020-
0299; 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. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 has received reports of four instances of IFSDs occurring
on the affected model turbofan engines since 2019.
In response to the two IFSDs that occurred in July and September
2019, and in response to on-going investigations of these IFSDs, the
FAA issued AD 2019-19-11 (84 FR 50719, September 26, 2019), to perform
inspections of the LPC R1 to prevent failures. The FAA subsequently
superseded AD 2019-19-11, issuing AD 2019-21-11 (84 FR 57813, October
29, 2019) in response to another IFSD and to expand the population of
affected engines that needed inspection of the LPC R1. Since the
effective date of AD 2019-21-11, another IFSD occurred in February
2020. Analysis by the manufacturer determined that the LPC vane
schedules were putting the engine in a condition to experience an
acoustic resonance that damages the LPC R1, which then leads to LPC R1
failure. In response, the manufacturer updated the EEC FADEC software
to improve vane scheduling to avoid acoustic resonance.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained
release of the LPC R1, damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-A-73-00-0036-00A-
930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated March 4, 2020, and PW SB PW1000G-A-73-00-
0041-00A-930A-D, Issue No.001, dated March 4, 2020. These SBs describe
procedures for replacing or modifying the EEC FADEC software.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires the removal from service of certain EEC FADEC
software and the installation of a software version eligible for
installation.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. The root cause of the LPC
R1 failures is still being investigated and the FAA will consider
further rulemaking depending on the results of the investigation.
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.) 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
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to the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding
good cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking. Similarly, Section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to
make rules effective in less than 30 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 waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. In
addition to three failures of the LPC R1 installed on PW1500G model
turbofan engines occurring in 2019, an additional failure of the LPC R1
occurred on February 12, 2020. LPC rotor failures can release high-
energy debris from the engine and damage the airplane (see AC 39-8,
``Continued Airworthiness Assessments of Powerplant and Auxiliary Power
Unit Installations of Transport Category Airplanes,'' dated September
8, 2003).
The failures of the LPC R1 occurred on engines that were shipped to
operators as spare engines and were not delivered installed on
aircraft. The failures occurred within 300 flight cycles (FCs) since
installation of the engine onto an aircraft. The manufacturer has
recommended that the new engine software be loaded into the engine as
soon as the engines are installed on an aircraft or within 15 FCs after
installation if the engine was installed onto an aircraft recently.
These engines are the highest risk for LPC R1 failures. The remainder
of the fleet is also at risk for LPC R1 failures and needs to have the
software upgraded within 90 days to prevent additional LPC R1 failures
and maintain an acceptable level of safety.
The FAA considers these LPC R1 failures to be an urgent safety
issue, requiring immediate action involving replacement of the EEC
FADEC software. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are impracticable and contrary to public interest pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons stated above, 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.
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, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2020-
0299 and Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-E at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. 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
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this AD.
Confidential Business Information
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 Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace 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 notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 58 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace EEC software.................. 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $9,860
hour = $170.
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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:
[[Page 17744]]
(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.
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):
2020-07-02 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-21106; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0299; Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 15, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney PW1519G, PW1521G,
PW1521G-3, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3
model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight shutdowns due to
failure of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor 1 (R1) and by
subsequent findings of cracked LPC R1s during inspections. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC R1. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of
the LPC R1, damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss
of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Remove the electronic engine control (EEC) software if the
version is earlier than full authority digital electronic control
(FADEC) software version V2.11.9.2 and install EEC FADEC software
that is eligible for installation, as follows:
(i) For engines that have accumulated less than 300 flight
cycles (FCs) since new or since the last engine shop visit, within
15 FCs after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) For all other engines, within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an
engine listed in paragraph (c) of this AD on any aircraft unless you
have replaced the EEC software required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
Note to paragraph (g) of this AD: The engines identified in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (2) of this AD include engines originally
delivered to operators as spare engines that have been subsequently
installed on an airplane.
(h) Definitions
(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, ``EEC FADEC software that is
eligible for installation'' is EEC FADEC software version V2.11.9.2
or later.
(i) 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 (j) 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.
(j) 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].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on March 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06554 Filed 3-30-20; 8:45 am]
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