[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 230 (Friday, November 29, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65666-65668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-25884]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0995; Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-E; 
Amendment 39-21001; AD 2019-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC 
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 
certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-
JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, 
PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines. This AD 
requires replacement of certain low-pressure turbine (LPT) 3rd-stage 
blades. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of LPT 3rd-stage blade 
failures causing a reduction of engine thrust. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 16, 2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 13, 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 
International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118, United States; phone: (800) 565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; 
website: 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. It is also 
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0995.

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-
0995; 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 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: Kevin.M.Clark@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA received reports of approximately 21 failures of the 
affected LPT 3rd-stage blades from 2017 through June 2019. These 
failures appear to be caused by impact damage occurring when debris 
passes through the engine. The manufacturer has determined the need to 
replace any affected LPT 3rd-stage blades with LPT blades made of a 
different material that is more resistant to impact damage.
    In response to these events, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM), Product Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD (84 FR 64441, 
November 22, 2019), proposing to adopt a new AD to address LPT 3rd-
stage blade failures on certain IAE LLC PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM, 
PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-
JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines. This NPRM AD 
proposes removal from service of affected LPT 3rd-stage blades at the 
next engine shop visit.

[[Page 65667]]

    Since June 2019, and prior to the publication of NPRM Product 
Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD, 20 additional failures of the affected LPT 
3rd-stage blades have occurred. The investigation of these failures is 
on-going. These additional failures have occurred primarily on engines 
operated by certain airlines. This AD requires an accelerated timeframe 
for replacement of the affected LPT 3rd-stage blades on certain serial-
numbered engines being operated by these airlines. Based on publication 
of NPRM Product Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD, the FAA would still require 
replacement of the affected LPT 3rd-stage blades on the remaining 
affected engines at the next engine shop visit.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
LPT 3rd-stage blades, failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust 
control, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-
0111-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated October 18, 2019. The service 
information describes procedures for removal of the affected LPT 3rd-
stage blades and their replacement with parts eligible for 
installation.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because we 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, within the times specified in the compliance 
section of this AD, removal from service of LPT 3rd-stage blades part 
number (P/N) 5387343, 5387493, 5387473, or 5387503, and their 
replacement with parts eligible for installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no 
domestic operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will 
receive any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from 
U.S. operators. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. In addition, for 
the reason stated above, the FAA finds 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, 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-2019-
0995 and Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-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.
    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 final rule.

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 the 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 0 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace set of LPC 3rd-stage        408 work-hours x $85  $750,000 per blade          $784,680               $0
 blades.                             per hour = $34,680.   set.
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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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

[[Page 65668]]

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):

2019-25-01 International Aero Engines LLC: Amendment 39-21001; 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0995; Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 16, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) 
PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, 
PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model 
turbofan engines with an engine serial number listed in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (4) of this AD and with low-pressure turbine (LPT) 
3rd-stage blades, part number (P/N) 5387343, 5387493, 5387473 or 
5387503.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 7250, Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of certain LPT 3rd-
stage blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of these 
LPT 3rd-stage blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in failure of the LPT 3rd-stage blades, failure of one or 
more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For any IAE LLC LPT 3rd-stage blade, P/N 5387343, 5387493, 
5387473, or 5387503, and with an engine serial number specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, remove the affected blade 
from service within the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(4) of this AD and replace with a part eligible for installation.
    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD or at the 
next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with 
serial numbers: P770536; P770620; P770626; P770641; P770644; 
P770681; P770690; P770693; P770773; P770780; P770813; P770816; 
P770827; P770841; P770852; P770869; P770870; P770873; P770883; 
P770894; P770909; P770512; P770762; P770484; P770805; P770716; 
P770836; or P770942.
    (2) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD or at 
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with 
serial numbers: P770347; P770981; P770814; P770825; P770964; 
P770622; P770763; P771019; P770980; P770985; P771048; P770487; 
P770911; P770960; P770932; P770934; P770444; P770993; P770996; 
P770893; P770320; P771036; P771040; P770797; P771047; P770537; 
P771026; P771050; P771046; P771074; P771062; P771080; P771099; 
P771164; or P770984.
    (3) Within 270 days after the effective date of this AD or at 
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with 
serial numbers: P770966; P770482; P770170; P770272; P770646; 
P771167; P770495; P771162; P770463; P770853; P771015; P771032; 
P771165; P771170; P771092; P771093; P771174; P771135; P770597; 
P771113; P770469; P771154; P770244; P771059; P770287; P770740; 
P771107; P771118; P770366; P770607; P770577; P771219; P771258; 
P771207; P771211; P771138; P771140; P770594; P771020; P771279; 
P771280; P770499; P770279; P771273; P770978; or P770916.
    (4) Within 360 days after the effective date of this AD or at 
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with 
serial numbers: P770579; P771188; P770722; P770603; P770715; 
P770768; P771120; P771132; P770782; P771288; P770504; P771238; 
P770676; P770128; P770191; P771277; P770749; P770800; P770381; 
P770395; P770218; P770374; P770256; P770452; P770460; P771141; 
P770138; P770750; P770645; P770756; P770308; P770143; P770439; 
P770509; P770127; P770139; P770172; P770176; P770129; P770140; 
P770173; P770640; P770742; P771006; P770505; P771161; P770315; 
P770263; P770724; P770259; P770149; P770269; P770486; P770614; 
P770975; P770946; P770629; or P771166.

(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 flanges, except that the 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent engine maintenance 
does not constitute an engine shop visit.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is any LPT 3rd-stage blade that does not have a P/N 
5387343, 5387493, 5387473, or 5387503.

(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: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
    (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: Kevin.M.Clark@faa.gov.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 25, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-25884 Filed 11-26-19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


