2021-00053. Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a root cause analysis of an event involving an uncontained failure of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. This AD requires removing certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective January 21, 2021.

The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 22, 2021.

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: [phone].
• 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.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1168; 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:

Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by IAE V2533-A5 model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. Based on a preliminary analysis of this event, on March 21, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020-07-51, which requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks installed on IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-51, the manufacturer conducted a root cause analysis and identified a different population of HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are affected by the unsafe condition and require removal from service. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the HPT, uncontained HPT failure, damage to the engine, damage to 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.

AD Requirements

This AD requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks installed on IAE V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

Interim Action

The design approval holder is currently developing a modification to address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, 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. On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by IAE V2533-A5 model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in an aborted takeoff. The uncontained failure of the HPT 1st-stage disk resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. The FAA published Emergency AD (EAD) 2020-07-51 on March 21, 2020 (followed by publication in the Federal Register on April 13, 2020, as a Final Rule, Request for Comments (85 FR 20402)), to remove from service HPT 1st-stage disks identified as having the highest risk of failure. Based on the root cause analysis performed since that event, the manufacturer has identified a different population of affected HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are affected by the same unsafe condition and require removal from service. These HPT disks have the highest risk of failure and require removal within 50 flight cycles or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, to prevent additional HPT disk failures and maintain an acceptable level of safety. This unsafe condition may result in loss of the airplane.

The FAA considers removal of certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks 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 the docket number FAA-2020-1168 and Project Identifier AD-2020-01568-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 https://www.regulations.gov,, 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 Nicholas Paine, 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 4 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Remove HPT 1st-stage or HPT 2nd-stage disk from service	92 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,820	$300,000	$307,820	$1,231,280

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2021-01-03 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-21379; Docket No. FAA-2020-1168; Project Identifier AD-2020-01568-E.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 21, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines with an installed:

(1) High-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk, part number (P/N) 2A5001, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD; or

(2) HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802 or 2A1202, with an S/N listed in Figure 2 to paragraph (c) of this AD.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (c)—HPT 1st-Stage Disks, P/N 2A5001

HPT 1st-Stage Disk S/N

PKLBMR8122

PKLBN95688

PKLBPD1563

PKLBR09920

PKLBR16496

PKLBR19225

PKLBR25636

PKLBR28076

PKLBR34562

PKLBR52354

PKLBR69530

PKLBR82479

PKLBRJ9427

PKLBRN5510

PKLBRT5081

PKLBRU7299

PKLBRW8547

PKLBRW9395

PKLBSJ7141

PKLBSM8377

Figure 2 to Paragraph (c)—HPT 2nd-Stage Disks, P/N 2A4802 or 2A1202

HPT 2nd-Stage Disk S/N

PKLBJ09996

PKLBJ13601

PKLBJ80883

PKLBKL8627

PKLBLJ9333

PKLBP87124

PKLBPY9696

PKLBSL8699

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by an analysis performed by the manufacturer of an event involving an uncontained failure of an HPT 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained HPT disk failure, damage to the engine, damage to 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) For IAE model turbofan engines with an HPT 1st-stage disk, P/N 2A5001, with a S/N listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, within 50 flight cycles or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, remove the HPT 1st-stage disk from service.

(2) For IAE model turbofan engines with an HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802 or 2A1202, with a S/N listed in Figure 2 to paragraph (c) of this AD, within 50 flight cycles or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, remove the HPT 2nd-stage disk from service.

(h) Installation Prohibition

After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any engine an HPT 1st-stage or HPT 2nd-stage disk with a P/N and S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD.

(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 Related Information. You may email your request to [e-mail].

(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 Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

None.

Issued on December 28, 2020.

Lance T. Gant,

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.