[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69231-69234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25016]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1478; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00668-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2004-04-09, which applies to certain Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. 
(P&WC) JT15D-1, JT15D-1A, and JT15D-1B model turbofan engines. AD 2004-
04-09 requires a one-time borescope inspection (BSI) of the rear face 
of certain impellers for evidence of a machined groove or step, and 
repair or replacement of the impeller if a groove or step is found. 
Since the FAA issued AD 2004-04-09, the FAA was notified of an 
uncontained failure of an impeller installed on a P&WC JT15D-1A engine 
during takeoff and subsequent investigation by the manufacturer that 
discovered machining marks on the impeller. This proposed AD would 
require borescope fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the rear 
face of certain impellers for evidence of machining witness lines and, 
depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the 
impeller, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for 
incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 3, 2023.

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 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

[[Page 69232]]

    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1478 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact 
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; phone: (888) 663-
3639; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
     You may view this material 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1478; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00668-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 
the proposal 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact we receive about this proposed AD.

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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Barbara Caufield, 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.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2004-04-09, Amendment 39-13490 (69 FR 9520, March 
1, 2004) (AD 2004-04-09), for certain P&WC JT15D-1, JT15D-1A, and 
JT15D-1B model turbofan engines. AD 2004-04-09 was prompted by three 
reports of uncontained failure of the impeller. AD 2004-04-09 requires 
a one-time borescope inspection of the rear face of certain impellers 
for evidence of a machined groove or step, and repair or replacement of 
the impeller if a groove or step is found. The FAA issued AD 2004-04-09 
to prevent uncontained failure of the impeller and possible damage to 
the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2004-04-09 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2004-04-09, Transport Canada, which is the 
aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-
27, dated June 2, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27), to address an 
unsafe condition for P&WC JT15D-1, JT15D-1A, and JT15D-1B model 
turbofan engines. The MCAI states that there has been one recent in-
service event of a JT15D-1A engine uncontained failure during a takeoff 
roll of the airplane. An investigation by P&WC has determined that a 
crack originated from machining marks on the back face of the impeller 
and subsequently propagated until the impeller fractured. There is 
evidence that the event engine had been previously inspected in 
accordance with P&WC Service Bulletin (SB) No. JT15D-72-7590, dated May 
23, 2003 (mandated by Transport Canada AD CF-2003-17, dated June 23, 
2003), but it appears that the machining marks were not detected. P&WC, 
therefore, published P&WC SB JT15D-72-7655, Original Issue, dated April 
14, 2022, to inspect the rear face of the impeller using a new 
borescope FPI procedure. As a result, Transport Canada issued AD CF-
2022-27 to require accomplishment of the borescope FPI at the next hot 
section inspection until the impeller, part number (P/N) 3020365, is 
replaced at the next scheduled engine overhaul.
    This proposed AD was prompted by three prior reports of uncontained 
failure of the impeller, and one additional recent report of an in-
service uncontained failure event. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address uncontained failure of the impeller. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in fracture of the impeller, subsequent 
uncontained failure of the engine, and damage to the airplane. See 
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27 for additional background information.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1478.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the 
Transport Canada AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that 
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 Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27. Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-27 specifies instructions for performing a one-time 
inspection of the rear face of the impeller and replacing the impeller 
if unacceptable machining witness lines or crack indications are found. 
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27 also specifies instructions for 
replacing the impeller at the next scheduled engine overhaul.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2004-
04-09. This proposed AD would require

[[Page 69233]]

accomplishing the actions specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27, 
described previously.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since 
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a 
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-27 in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, 
require compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27 in its entirety 
through that incorporation. Using common terms that are the same as the 
heading of a particular section in the Transport Canada AD does not 
mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, 
where the AD requirement refers to ``Compliance,'' compliance with this 
AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Corrective 
Actions'' in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27. Service information 
required by the Transport Canada AD for compliance will be available at 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1478 
after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 100 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. Registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect impeller......................  6 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $510         $51,000
                                         hour = $510.
Replace impeller......................  30 work-hours x $85 per           75,000          77,550       7,755,000
                                         hour = $2,550.
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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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 2004-04-09, Amendment 39-13490 (69 
FR 9520, March 1, 2004); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.: Docket No. FAA-2022-1478; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00668-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by January 3, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2004-04-09, Amendment 39-13490 (69 FR 9520, 
March 1, 2004) (AD 2004-04-09).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. JT15D-1, JT15D-
1A, and JT15D-1B model turbofan engines as identified in Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-27, dated June 2, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-
2022-27).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine 
Engine Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by three prior reports of uncontained 
failure of the impeller, and one additional recent report of an in-
service uncontained failure event. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent uncontained failure of the impeller. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in fracture of the impeller, 
subsequent uncontained failure of the engine, and damage to the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-27 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD,

[[Page 69234]]

if requested using the procedures found in Sec.  39.19. In 
accordance with Sec.  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 and email it 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) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27, dated June 2, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2022-27, contact Transport 
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; phone: (888) 663-
3639; email: [email protected]; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
    (4) 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.
    (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: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 10, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25016 Filed 11-17-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


